Details

Date: 08 Aug 2020
Capacity: 20 (14 remaining)
Walk Leader Name: Frank Freeman
Grading: Blue - Moderate
Phone Number: 047 655 514
Email: frank_fr@bigpond.net.au
Amount($): 5.00 (Pay Leader on the day)
Time: 08:30 AM
Where: Sellin Road , Mt Me , Qld , 4521 , Australia
Type: Daywalk

Somerset Trail, Mt Mee National park, 2020

Description:  The Somerset Trail is a forest circuit beginning at The Gantry in the Mt Mee section of D’Aguilar National Park, and passing through scribbly-gum forest, rainforest and dry, open forest.

About halfway through the walk, there is a lookout providing great views west to Somerset Dam and the headwaters of Lake Wivenhoe to enjoy while having morning tea. It is expected birds will be sighted although, at this time of the year, reptiles may be in hibernation. There are a few moderate hills to climb    so a reasonable level of fitness is required.

An optional walk when we return is the Piccabeen Circuit, an easy 1km stroll through lush groves of piccabeen palms and featuring Sydney blue gums, said to be the oldest trees in the park.

It is planned to have lunch back at The Gantry, a leftover relic of the area’s timber industry. BBQs are available for those who prefer a hot lunch. Toilets are available at The Gantry but no water so ensure you bring adequate supplies.

This activity will be conducted in keeping with current Covid-19 health department guidelines regarding social distancing and good hygiene practices. Be aware that, if you are over 70 (over 50 for people of indigenous background), and/or have co-morbidities, you are at greater risk of Covid-19.

If you are feeling unwell, please do not attend this activity.

Walk Grading:  Intermediate – Blue 13km

Meet:  At The Gantry at 8.30am. Co-ordinates: 27°05’39.4″S 152°42’10.9″E

Directions: In Dayboro (almost opposite the Bakery), turn into Mt Mee Road and head up the range towards Mt Mee. The road is twisty so needs to be driven with care. At the top of the range, keep driving towards Mt Mee to Sellin Road. Turn left into Sellin Road and follow the signs to The Gantry, Mt Mee National Park.

Directions Head towards Mt Mee from Dayboro, turning left into Sellin Road and follow the signs to D’Aguilar NP, Mt Mee Section to The Gantry. Allow 30-40 minutes to drive from Dayboro.

What to Bring:  Morning tea & lunch, 2+ litres water, warm jacket, rain coat, $5.00 NPA Fee (pay leader on the day) and a positive attitude.

Limit: 20

Nominations:  Register online at www.npaq.org.au

Leader: For further information, please contact the leader, Frank Freeman ((07) 3824 3954 Mob: 0427 655 514 Email: frank_fr@bigpond.net.au

 

Activity Report

The group of seven walkers left The Gantry carpark in overcast conditions. The rainforest gave way to more open forest, through stands of planted pine and into drier, open forest as the trail ascended the hill to the lookout. Evidence of a bushfire earlier in the year remains in one section with little re-growth to date.

Cloud obscured the views on arrival at the lookout, but, while the group enjoyed refreshments and a well-earned rest, the breeze cleared the skis and great views of  Somerset and  Wivenhoe Dams and the surrounding countryside emerged.

Continuing around the circuit, it was clear spring was on its way as many native plants were budding or in flower. A short drive from the carpark, took the group to the Pit Stop Café to enjoy coffee and cake and great views which stretched along the Pine River valley below the cafe to the coast and Brisbane CBD.

 

Register for this event

A separate registration must be completed for each adult attending